New support group for patients with respiratory conditions

A new patient support group for people affected by pulmonary fibrosis is meeting at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital this weekend.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive condition in which scarring of the lungs causes disabling breathlessness. The cause is often unknown and there are few effective treatments, and therefore management includes monitoring progress, relieving symptoms and supporting people to adapt to the restrictions the condition imposes.

After an initial successful meeting hosted by the Respiratory Medicine department in January, the new support group will be held quarterly.

Respiratory Nurse Specialist, Sandra Olive, said: “The support group aims to provide information as well as support and the first meeting was a great success with 84 patients and relatives listening to an informative talk about the condition from our Respiratory Consultant Dr Andrew Wilson. There were lots of questions from the audience before an opportunity for refreshments and a chance to talk to others living with the condition.”

The meetings are supported by volunteers from Breathe Easy Norwich, the local support group of British Lung Foundation, and nurses from Respiratory Out-patients and the Specialist Nursing Team.

The meeting is being held from 2-4pm on Saturday 3rd May. For more details, contact Sandra Olive, Respiratory Nurse Specialist on 01603 289779.